Brooklyn infrastructure project finishes on time and under budget, NYRCA says Section U saved millions * Brooklyn Paper

"The New York Road Contractors Association (NYRCA) announced this week that a major Brooklyn infrastructure project has wrapped up on schedule and at a significantly reduced cost - even after contractors faced an unexpected surge in private utility work that slowed progress for more than a year. The project, which reconstructed 57 corners across a wide swath of Brooklyn neighborhoods - including East Flatbush, Remsen Village, Ditmas Village, Flatbush, Midwood, Ocean Parkway, Bensonhurst, Brighton Beach, Prospect Heights, Wingate, Bushwick and Greenpoint - was completed by JLJ Enterprises Inc."

"According to NYRCA, the city's portion of the work was completed in just eight months, despite an unforeseen spike in private utility interference that extended the overall schedule. The contractor reportedly navigated a staggering "2,500%+ increase" in separately negotiated utility work - delays the association said were outside the City's control - yet still delivered the full project within the 24-month contract window. The final construction cost to the city came in at roughly $2 million, which NYRCA stressed is a dramatic savings compared to initial projections."

"That figure is more than 40% below the original low bid of $3.4 million and 63% below the City Engineer's estimate of $5.7 million. NYRCA leaders said the project should serve as a prime example of why New York City should expand its use of Section U, a procurement method used by the Department of Design and Construction (DDC). Under Section U, contractors bid only on the public work while private utilities negotiate their own costs separately - a structure the association argues shields taxpayers from unpredictable utility expenses."

JLJ Enterprises Inc. completed reconstruction of 57 corners across multiple Brooklyn neighborhoods, including East Flatbush, Ditmas Village, Flatbush, Midwood, Ocean Parkway, Bensonhurst, Brighton Beach, Prospect Heights, Wingate, Bushwick and Greenpoint. The city's portion of the work was finished in eight months despite an unforeseen spike in private utility interference that extended the overall schedule. Contractors navigated a reported 2,500%+ increase in separately negotiated utility work yet delivered the full project within the 24-month contract window. Final construction costs to the city were approximately $2 million, more than 40% below the original low bid and 63% below the City Engineer's estimate. Leaders recommended expanded use of Section U procurement to shield taxpayers from unpredictable utility expenses.

Read at Brooklyn Paper